Where to Go Cross Country Skiing in New Hampshire in 2016-17
Cross Country skiing at Bretton Woods. Photo
credit: SkiNH.com.
by Eric Hurwitz. Updated 12/2016.
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New Hampshire provides a naturally great setting for cross
country skiing -- beautiful scenery and open land have that effect.
The best way to cross country ski is to find well-known areas
specializing in this great winter sport. While finding your own spot is
nice, it's always better to err on the side of caution and find a place
that features groomed trails and professional oversight, as well as the
chance for novices to learn the sport through experts "in the field."
The great SkiNH.com (we recommend
frequenting its site for everything involving skiing in New Hampshire)
has come up with a tremendous list of cross country spots in New
Hampshire, current as of Nov. 8, 2016 (subject to change):
BEAR NOTCH SKI TOURING CENTER
Location: Rte. 302, Bartlett
Phone: 603-374-2277
Email: info@bearnotchskitouring.com Web: www.bearnotchskitouring.com
Total Kilometers: 70 km Groomed: 60 km Tracked: 60 km Skate Groomed: 60
km
Trail passes: adults $17; juniors (ages 8-16) free with paying adult;
senior (ages 60+) $12
About: A full-service cross-country ski and snowshoe center. From the
200-year-old farmhouse base lodge, embark on an unforgettable winter
adventure on more than 60 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails
into the surrounding mountains. Homemade bread and soups daily, plus
groomed terrain to lodging and restaurants.
BRETTON WOODS CROSS COUNTRY
Location: 210 Mount Washington Hotel Rd., Bretton Woods
Phone: 603-278-3322
Email: mwnordic@omnihotels.com Web: www.brettonwoods.com
Total Kilometers: 100 km Groomed: 100 km Tracked: 100 km Skate Groomed:
100 km
Trail passes: adults $21; teens (ages 13-17) $19, juniors (ages 5-12)
$14, seniors (ages 65-79) $14, seniors 80+ free
About: One of the nation’s top Nordic resorts featuring wide, scenic
trails for classic and skate skiing, plus snowshoeing and 11km of
dog-friendly trails. Ideal learn-to-ski terrain, plus loops for the
distance of your choice. Join Alpine-skiing family and friends with
unique lift-served High Country trails and mountainside log cabin, plus
Fabyan Fields’ groomed trails in a park-like setting adjacent to the
alpine Base Lodge.
What’s New: Investments have been made in the Nordic grooming fleets.
Fat bike rentals will be available, with dedicated trails for winter
biking
DARTMOUTH CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER
Location: 10 Hilton Field Rd., Hanover
Phone: 603-643-6534 & 603-643-5836
Email: dartmouthcrosscountry@gmail.com
Web: www.outdoors.dartmouth.edu/services/xc_ski_center.html
Total Kilometers: 25 km Groomed: 25 km Tracked: 20 km Skate Groomed: 20
km
Trail passes: all ages $14
About: The Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center maintains over
twenty-five kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails on Oak Hill
and Garipay Field in Hanover, New Hampshire, as well as the ice on
Occom Pond for ice skating. The Cross Country Ski Center has two
facilities. One is based out of the DOC House on Occom Pond, which
provides equipment rentals for skiing, skating, and other winter
activities, as well as group and private instruction. The other
facility is at Oak Hill, located in the north-east corner of Hanover.
To get there, go north on Route 10 past the Golf Course, turn right at
the Co-op Market, then take a sharp left after the road turns to dirt —
park in the first lot on the right.
DEXTER’S INN TRAILS by NORSK OUTDOORS
Location: 258 Stagecoach Rd., Sunapee
Phone: 800-232-5571
Email: dexters@tds.net Web: www.dextersnh.com
Total Kilometers: 30 km Groomed: 25 km Tracked: 20 km
Trail passes: ages 6+ $12
About: An affordable, family-friendly resort near Mount Sunapee,
offering a network of groomed trails right out the back door. Equipment
rentals, lessons, a cozy warming room with fireplace, lodging, and
dining are available on site. Terrain for all abilities, but
particularly welcoming for beginners, families, and groups.
EASTMAN CROSS COUNTRY CENTER
Location: 10 Clubhouse Lane, Grantham
Phone: 603-863-4500
Email: recreation@eastmannh.org
Web: www.eastmannh.org/ski
Total Kilometers: 36 km Groomed: 36 km Tracked: 30 km Skate Groomed: 30
km
Trail passes: adults $12; juniors (ages 6+) $8
About: A one-stop winter-activity center for skiing, snowshoeing,
skating, and sledding. Reasonable rates, lessons for beginners and
experts, a retail shop, and a variety of special events make this the
ideal place to spend the day with family and friends.
What’s New: Cross-country skiers can enjoy Eastman XC’s
beautifully rebuilt Nordic Center.
FRANCONIA VILLAGE CROSS COUNTRY SKI
CENTER
Location: 1172 Easton Rd., Franconia
Phone: 800-473-5299
Email: info@franconiainn.com
Web: www.franconiainn.com
Total Kilometers: 65 km Groomed: 65 km Tracked: 65 km Skate Groomed: 5
km
Trail passes: all ages $12
About: Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, offering
unparalleled scenic vistas amid a variety of beginner-to-expert
terrain. Featuring ski, snowshoe, and ice-skate rentals, horse-drawn
sleigh rides, a lighted ice-skating rink, sledding and tubing hills,
and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
GRANITE GORGE CROSS COUNTRY
Location: 341 Route 9, Roxbury
Phone: 603-358-5000
Email: info@granitegorge.com
Web: www.granitegorge.com
Total Kilometers: 14 km Groomed: 14 km Tracked: 14 km Skate Groomed: 14
km
Trail passes: adults $8; juniors (ages 6-17) $7
About: Great cross-country trails; located directly on Route 9, the
Gorge is simple to get to. Trails date back decades and have been
reconstructed with the latest technology for superior conditions.
GREAT GLEN TRAILS
Location: Rte. 16, Pinkham Notch
Phone: 603-466-2333
Email: info@GreatGlenTrails.com
Web: www.GreatGlenTrails.com
Total Kilometers: 45 km Groomed: 22 km Tracked: 22 km Skate Groomed: 22
km
Trail passes: adults $20; juniors (ages 5-12) $12
About: Located at the base of Mount Washington, Nordic skiers can come
experience beginner terrain with customized snow elements and simple
terrain features, promoting faster learning in a non-intimidating
environment. For a truly unforgettable experience, climb into a custom
nine-passenger four-track SnowCoach for a thrilling ride to treeline at
4,000 feet on the Mount Washington Auto Road. Selection and service at
Great Glen Outfitters are second to none, and breakfast and lunch at
the Glen View Café offer some of the best views in New Hampshire. Great
Glen Trails has invested in improvements to increase terrain during
early and low snow seasons.
What’s New: An expanded snowmaking system will maximize efficiency.
Plus, two trails were reconstructed to allow them to be opened earlier
in the season. The addition of a second snowmobile for early season and
low snow grooming will add to the center’s ability to offer cross
country terrain as early as possible this year.
GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT CROSS COUNTRY
Location: 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, NH 03249
Phone: 603-293-4341
Email: xcountry@gunstock.com
Web: www.gunstock.com
Total Kilometers: 50 km Groomed: 50 km Tracked: 15 km Skate Groomed: 38
km
Trail passes: adults $17; teens (ages 13-17) $17; children (ages 6-12)
$14; seniors (ages 65+) $14
About: A full-service Nordic and snowshoe center in the heart of the
Lakes Region, Gunstock even has snowmaking to cover the trails when
Mother Nature doesn’t. Experience the snowy wilderness of New England
in a pristine outdoor environment as you stride, skate, or snowshoe
Gunstock’s extensive set-track and single-track trail system. Equipment
rentals and lesson programs are available for all skill levels and
disciplines, and when you’re done playing in the woods be sure to visit
Gunstock’s historic base lodge for some après fun.
WHAT'S NEW: Fat Tire Bikes are the newest trend for on-snow exercise
and exploration. Rent a bike by the hour or day to discover why this
sport has become so popular.The Gunstock cross country center is the
host venue for a number of innovative, fun and competitive events this
winter. From traditional Nordic races and snowshoe tours, to mixed
condition trail runs and endurance hill climbs, to fat tire bike race
series, check out www.gunstock.com/events for a complete list of
events, tours and competitions.
JACKSON XC
Location: 153 Main St., Jackson
Phone: 603-383-9355
Email: info@jacksonxc.org
Web: www.jacksonxc.org
Total Kilometers: 154 km Groomed: 93 km Tracked: 93 km Skate Groomed:
93 km
Trail passes: adults $21; juniors (ages 10-15) $10; seniors (over 65)
$17
About: A not-for-profit organization focused on providing the largest
family-friendly and affordable cross-country and snowshoe center in the
eastern U.S. The 150-plus-kilometer trail system, offering something
for everyone, starts in the heart of picturesque Jackson Village and
meanders through rolling fields, along streams, past warming huts and
spectacular views, and straight to the doors of a dozen inns,
restaurants, and pubs. We even offer 15 KM of pet friendly trails.
Rentals, retail shop, and refreshments are available at the spacious
lodge. Offering daily lessons, weekly tours, group rates, and more than
100 special events throughout the winter. Alpine skiers get 33% off on
Sundays. If you are looking for adventurous backcountry skiing, we
offer some of the best! Ski the backside of Wildcat Mountain with a
vertical drop of 3,245 ft.
What’s New: Jackson XC Center is in the midst of a $500,000 capital
campaign. The newly expanded 154 km (96 mi) facility has added four new
trails totalling six kilometers (3.75 miles) along with eight new
bridges. The work done over the summer represents the largest
trail expansion/improvement project in the Jackson XC Center’s history,
and the largest expansion in the Northeast this season.
LOON MOUNTAIN CROSS COUNTRY
Location: 60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln
Phone: 800-229-5666
Email: info@loonmtn.com
Web: www.loonmtn.com
Total Kilometers: 20 km Groomed: 20 km Tracked: 8 km
Trail passes: all ages $15
About: Explore a serene network of Nordic trails that parallel the
Pemigewasset River and climb through the forest along old logging roads.
MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY SKI TOURING
& SNOWSHOE FOUNDATION
Location: 279 NH Rte. 16 & 302, Intervale
Phone/Lodging: 603-356-9920
Email: ski@mwvskitouring.org
Web: www.mwvskitouring.org
Total Kilometers: 45 km Groomed: 45 km Tracked: 45 km Skate Groomed: 45
km
Trail passes: adults $15; juniors (ages 6-14) $10; seniors (ages 60-70)
$10; seniors 70+ and kids (6 and under) ski free.
About: Inn-to-inn touring on more than 45 kilometers of trails through
riverside hayfields, mountainside spruce, and hemlock forests, with
diverse terrain for all abilities. Trails connect the town of Intervale
with North Conway Village, offering views of the Saco River and
magnificent Mount Washington. Rentals, lessons, snowshoe tours, and
stay-and-ski-free lodging packages are available.
NORDIC SKIER WOLFEBORO CROSS COUNTRY
Location: 47 North Main St., Wolfeboro
Phone: 603-569-3151
Email: nordicskiersports@gmail.com
Web: www.wolfeboroxc.org
Total Kilometers: 30 km Groomed: 30 km Tracked: 30 km Skate Groomed: 30
km
Trail passes: adults $12; teens (ages 13-17) $10; juniors (ages 12 and
younger) and seniors 70+ free
About: The “XC Village of the Lakes Region,” a New Hampshire Magazine
2012 “Editors’ Pick” as “Best Cross-Country Ski Deal”: “Leading the
pack with community-run, family-friendly, affordable, and beautiful
cross-country skiing.” Voted 2014’s “Best Nordic Ski Shop in New
England.” New for 2014–15: 2-kilometer Manmade Snow Loop. Cross-country
skiing’s best-kept secret: Come see for yourself.
What’s New: Nordic Skier Wolfeboro added a new John Deere Gator
grooming machine to the fleet, plus a 108” Yellowstone Ginzugroomer.
Also there have been upgrades and improvements to many trails making
them skiable with less snow cover. Nordic Skier is currently planning
and implementing a permanent 2km cross-country ski loop scheduled for
completion during the 2017-18 season.
PINE HILL XC SKI CLUB
Location: 220 Mountain Rd., New London
Phone: 603-381-8685
Web: www.pinehillskiclub.com
Total Kilometers: 20 km Groomed: 20 km Tracked: 20 km Skate Groomed: 20
km
Trail passes: adults $15
About: A community-based organization with a cross-country ski area
open to the public; 20 kilometers of groomed-track skiing. The parking
facility is located three miles from Lake Sunapee Country Club. Rentals
available at Village Sports in New London (603-526-4948). Don’t miss
Robb’s Warming Hut (open weekends only), on Robb’s Hut trail where they
have just refurbished two bridges and are offering hot drinks, snacks,
and a fun destination, located just a 20-minute ski from the trailhead.
PURITY SPRING RESORT XC AND SNOWSHOE
RESERVE
Location: 1251 Eaton Rd., East Madison
Phone: 800-FREE-SKI
Email: info@purityspring.com
Web: www.kingpine.com/xc-skiing.html
Total Kilometers: 28 km Groomed: 15 km Tracked: 15 km Skate Groomed: 15
km
Trail passes: adults $10; juniors (ages 6-12) $7
About: Twenty-eight kilometers of cross-country and snowshoe trails
wind around Purity Lake and throughout New Hampshire Audubon’s Hoyt
Wildlife Sanctuary. Terrain to satisfy all abilities, plus scenic views
and unblemished forest throughout the 1,000-acre property. Lessons and
rentals are available.
WATERVILLE VALLEY ADVENTURE CENTER
Location: Town Square, Waterville Valley
Phone: 800-GO-VALLEY
Email: info@waterville.com
Web: www.waterville.com
Total Kilometers: 70 km Groomed: 70 km Tracked: 70 km Skate Groomed: 70
km
Trail passes: adults $22; teens (ages 13-17) $20; juniors (ages 6-13)
$18, seniors 80+ free
About: More than 70 kilometers of Nordic trails, widest in New England,
provide diversity and challenge to both novice and expert skiers amid
the splendor of White Mountain National Forest. Trails are groomed
daily; wide range of terrain, from novice to expert, for both skate and
classic styles. At day’s end, the Nordic Center provides a crackling
fire and the amenities of Town Square.
WINDBLOWN CROSS COUNTRY
Location: 1180 Turnpike Rd., New Ipswich
Phone: 603-878-2869
Email: info@windblownxc.com
Web: www.windblownxc.com
Total Kilometers: 40 km Groomed: 40 km Tracked: 40 km Skate Groomed: 40
km
Trail passes: adults $18; juniors (ages 8-17) $14; seniors (65+) $16
About: Nestled in the wooded hills of the Monadnock Region, 40
kilometers of exciting trails with beautiful views from the fields.
Unbeatable grooming with two PistenBully snowcats and three snowmobiles.
What’s New: The Lodge at Windblown welcomes you with a rental shop, a
restaurant, and plenty of room to relax by the fire, and it is now a
full-service event space available May through November with a
commercial kitchen and outdoor spaces for events. The New Warming Hut,
available for rent year-round, has eco-friendly solar power and
sustainably harvested timber. The new “Clear View Camp” tiny home also
welcomes guests.
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